An intervention mapping adaptation framework to develop a self-help intervention for athletes with eating disorder...

Area of Science:

• Sports Psychology
• Eating Disorder Research
• Intervention Development

Background:

• Existing eating disorder interventions for athletes lack evidence for acceptability and efficacy.
• There is a need for more accessible intervention formats, such as self-help, for athletes with mild eating disorder symptoms.

Approach:

• The Intervention Mapping for Adaptation (IMA) framework was used, following six systematic steps.
• A systematic review and athlete interviews informed the adaptation of a non-athlete self-help intervention.
• A feasibility study with 35 athletes evaluated the adapted intervention (MOPED-A).

Key Points:

• The adapted self-help intervention (MOPED-A) was found to be feasible and acceptable to athletes.
• Initial results suggest the intervention has potential for reducing eating disorder symptoms in athletes.
• The IMA framework facilitated the development of a participant-centered and evidence-based intervention.

Conclusions:

• The IMA framework is effective for creating tailored, evidence-based interventions for athletes with eating disorder symptoms.
• This study provides a model for developing similar interventions in the eating disorder domain.
• Systematic health intervention development ensures interventions are participant-centered, contextually relevant, and evidence-based.